Sr. Research Associate, Cancer Vaccines Research

The Role:

Moderna is dedicated to maximizing the impact of our cancer vaccine platform on human health. We are seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Research Associate with experience in vaccine immunology and/or immuno-oncology research to support advancement of current and new cancer vaccine programs. The successful candidate will design and execute preclinical studies, analyze immune responses, and contribute to both early- and clinical-stage research efforts. This role requires scientific rigor, flexibility, detail-orientation, and technical expertise to advance our mission. Applicants should be highly collaborative team players, excellent communicators, and have a demonstrable track record of independent research accomplishments.

Here’s What You’ll Do:

• Analyze human and murine immune responses to mRNA vaccines using flow cytometry, ELISpot, ELISA, Luminex, and reporter assays.

• Collect, archive, organize, and analyze in vitro and ex vivo samples, including those from in vivo studies (no direct animal handling).

• Design, perform, and troubleshoot experiments with minimal supervision, adapting or developing assays as needed.

• Maintain detailed and accurate documentation; contribute to lab records, internal presentations, and regulatory submissions.

• Confidently present findings across project teams and collaborate with other groups to drive data-informed decisions.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table:

• B.S. with 3+ years or M.S. with relevant hands-on experience in immunology, immuno-oncology, vaccinology, or a related field.

• Proficiency with multicolor flow cytometry (spectral and conventional), panel design, and immune cell profiling.

• Hands-on experience with immunological assays including ELISpot, ELISA, Luminex, and cell-based functional assays (e.g., co-cultures, transfection).

• Ability to independently plan, execute, and interpret moderately complex experiments, with strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to present and discuss results across cross-functional teams.

• Highly collaborative, scientifically rigorous, and mission-driven with a demonstrated track record of experimental execution and scientific contribution.

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.  That’s why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Best-in-class healthcare coverage, plus a suite of voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
• A holistic approach to well-being, with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts to personalize your well-being journey
• Family planning and adoption benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
• Savings and investment opportunities
• Location-specific perks and extras

About Moderna

Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world.  

By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities. 

We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S. 

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities. 

Our Working Model 

As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.